fire risk – California Lemon Law blog

Owners of certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) should be aware of a problem involving a potential high-voltage battery defect that could lead to a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. The recall affects vehicles equipped with specific high-voltage battery packs manufactured during a limited production period.

What Is the Problem?

According to Chrysler, some affected Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles were built with high-voltage battery cells produced on an alternative assembly line at LG Energy Solution (LGES). Engineers have determined that these battery packs may experience an internal failure that can result in thermal runaway, a condition where battery cells rapidly overheat and potentially ignite. What makes this recall particularly concerning is that the fire risk may exist even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off.

Which Vehicles Are Affected?

The recall applies to certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrids. The affected vehicles were manufactured between August 5, 2020, and May 2, 2022, during the period when batteries containing cells from the alternative LG Energy Solution production line were installed. Vehicles built before or after this time frame, non-hybrid Pacifica models, and vehicles equipped with battery cells from LGES’s primary production line are not included in this recall.

How Was the Issue Discovered?

Federal regulators have been investigating reports of battery fires in Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs for more than two years. The timeline includes:

January 17, 2024: NHTSA opened an investigation into battery-related thermal events in earlier model Pacifica PHEVs.
March 27, 2026: The investigation expanded to include 2017-2026 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
April 30, 2026: Chrysler launched its own internal investigation into fires involving 2020-2022 models.
May 28, 2026: Chrysler concluded that a safety defect exists and initiated a recall.

How Many Fires Have Been Reported?

As of May 15, 2026, Chrysler reported:

4 confirmed field reports of fires
3 customer assistance records
No reported injuries
No reported crashes

While Chrysler describes the incidents as occurring at a very low frequency, each reported fire involved battery cells manufactured on the alternative LG Energy Solution assembly line. Engineers have analyzed the one recovered battery pack involved in a fire, but the exact root cause has not yet been determined. Chrysler and LG Energy Solution continue to investigate.

What Should Owners Do?

Until repairs are completed, Chrysler is advising owners to take the following precautions:

Do not charge the vehicle.
Park the vehicle outside.
Park away from homes, garages, and other structures.

These temporary precautions are intended to reduce the risk should a battery failure occur.

What Is the Repair?

Chrysler dealers will perform repairs including:

Updating the high-voltage battery control module software
Inspecting the high-voltage battery pack
Replacing the battery pack if inspection determines replacement is necessary

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing June 23, 2026.

Recall Information

Manufacturer Recall Number: 52D
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-362

If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is important to follow Chrysler’s safety recommendations and schedule repairs as soon as they become available.

At Edzant Price LLP, we encourage vehicle owners to stay informed about manufacturer recalls and to document any issues they experience with their vehicles. If a defect results in property damage or personal injury, understanding your legal rights can be an important part of protecting yourself and your family.

Owners of certain Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles should be aware of a significant safety defect affecting more than one million vehicles across North America. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) has announced Recall 21D (NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-363) involving certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator models due to a defect in the electric hydraulic power steering pump (EHPSP) wiring system that could potentially lead to a vehicle fire.

What Is the Problem?

According to FCA US, under certain conditions, high-resistance electrical activity can occur at the connection point of the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering Pump (EHPSP). This increased electrical resistance can generate excessive heat, causing nearby combustible materials to overheat and potentially ignite. What makes this defect particularly concerning is that a fire could occur even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off.

The issue originates from the electrical connection between the EHPSP and its wiring harness. Investigators discovered that some EHPSP components were manufactured outside specified tolerances, which could result in poor electrical contact. Over time, this can create excessive resistance, heat buildup, melting of the connector, and in rare cases, a vehicle fire.

Warning Signs Drivers May Notice

Before a failure occurs, some owners may experience symptoms related to the power steering system, including:

Loss of power steering assist
A “Service Power Steering” warning message
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to the steering system

However, FCA notes that some incidents occurred without prior warning, which is one reason the recall was issued.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The road to this recall began in May 2023 when FCA US launched an investigation into reports of engine compartment fires in Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. After reviewing available data through April 2024, the company initially closed the investigation, determining that the occurrence rate was low and did not represent an unreasonable safety risk.

That assessment changed in August 2024 when FCA began receiving an increased number of reports involving fires originating near the EHPSP electrical connection. Shortly afterward, on September 6, 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a formal investigation, designated PE24-024, into engine compartment fires involving 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles.

Over the next 18 months, FCA and NHTSA worked extensively to determine the cause of the fires. Engineers analyzed field reports, inspected returned parts, conducted vehicle buybacks, performed CT scans and X-ray analysis, tested materials, and carried out extensive laboratory and vehicle testing.

In spring 2025, investigators identified manufacturing tolerance issues in the EHPSP connector assembly. These issues could cause excessive insertion forces during assembly, resulting in spread terminals, incomplete electrical connections, and elevated electrical resistance. FCA also identified a separate “terminal push-out” condition that could contribute to poor electrical contact.

Although engineers initially struggled to duplicate the exact failure mode, FCA confirmed in April 2026 that a loose EHPSP electrical connection could generate enough heat to melt the connector and potentially ignite surrounding materials.

By May 2026, FCA was aware of:

72 field reports related to the issue
63 customer assistance records
12 additional service records potentially related to the defect
1 reported injury potentially associated with the condition

No accidents related to the defect had been reported.

Based on the findings of the investigation, FCA’s Vehicle Regulations Committee formally determined on May 28, 2026, that a safety defect exists in affected vehicles.

What Should Owners Do?

FCA US is advising owners of affected vehicles to park their vehicle outside and away from structures, garages, and other vehicles until the recall repair has been completed. This recommendation reflects the possibility that an electrical overheating event could occur even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.

Dealers will inspect the EHPSP connection and replace affected components as necessary at no cost to vehicle owners.

Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on July 9, 2026.

Recall Information

FCA Recall Number: 21D.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-363.
Vehicles Affected: Approximately 1,076,999.
Defect: EHPSP electrical connection overheating.
Risk: Potential vehicle fire, including while parked.
Remedy: Inspection and replacement of affected parts as necessary.

If you own a 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler or Jeep Gladiator, it is important to monitor recall announcements and schedule the repair as soon as it becomes available. While the number of reported incidents remains relatively small compared to the number of vehicles on the road, the potential consequences of an under-hood fire make this a recall that should not be ignored.

Ford Motor Company has announced a safety defect affecting certain 2024–2026 Ford Ranger vehicles. Some Rangers could experience a wiring issue that can, in rare cases, lead to smoke or fire inside the vehicle.

What’s the Problem?

The issue is tied to the wiring harness connected to the sun visor and headliner. In some vehicles, this wiring may have been installed incorrectly or wrapped with excessive protective tape. These conditions can cause the wiring to become pinched or damaged as it passes through metal openings near the A-pillar, which is the structural area along the windshield. If the wiring becomes damaged and contacts metal, it can create an electrical short. This short may generate heat or sparks, potentially leading to smoke, melting components, or even a fire in the A-pillar area. Any smoke or fire inside a vehicle increases the risk of injury or a crash. Even before a fire occurs, smoke or melting materials can distract the driver or reduce visibility.

While no accidents or injuries have been reported, there has been at least one case involving flames and several others showing signs of smoke or burn damage.

What Caused It?

Ford’s investigation found two main contributing factors. First, excessive tape thickness on the wiring harness can cause it to bind or become damaged when passing through tight metal openings. Second, insufficient controls during installation may allow the wiring to be routed incorrectly, increasing the chance of contact with metal edges.

Over time, damaged wiring can become exposed. Combined with repeated resets of the Body Control Module after a fault, this can lead to ongoing electrical arcing, soot buildup, and eventually a fire risk.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Drivers may notice early warning signs before a more serious issue develops. These include flickering or non-functioning sun visor mirror lights or overhead console lights. These symptoms may indicate a problem with the circuit and should not be ignored.

Timeline of the Investigation

Ford’s investigation began on October 31, 2025, after a fire was reported in the A-pillar area of a 2024 Ranger. Early findings pointed to an electrical short in the sun visor power circuit, confirmed by a diagnostic trouble code. The issue was escalated to Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group on November 6, 2025.

Over the following months, engineers reviewed supplier specifications and installation procedures, identifying risks related to wiring thickness and routing. Testing in early 2026 confirmed that materials were not inherently flammable, but electrical system behavior could still lead to fire over time.

By March 20, 2026, Ford had identified multiple reports tied to four vehicles, including one case involving flames. On April 7, 2026, the Field Review Committee approved a field service action.

What’s the Fix?

Ford dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage, replace it if necessary, and update the Body Control Module software. he recall will be carried out in phases. Owners of 2025 model year vehicles will be notified the week of May 31, 2026. Owners of 2026 models will be notified the week of June 29, 2026, followed by 2024 model owners the week of July 27, 2026.

Interim letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed starting April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the full repair remedy is available, anticipated in August 2026.

Ford has assigned recall number 26S29, and it is listed under NHTSA campaign number 26V-238.

Recall Reference: VW Campaign 93EV / NHTSA Campaign 25V-836

If you are the owner of a 2023 or 2024 Volkswagen ID.4, please take a moment to review this critical safety warning. Volkswagen has issued a recall for specific vehicles in this model range due to a high-voltage battery defect that could lead to a vehicle fire.

Because the risk involves the potential for a thermal event (fire) while the car is parked or driving, Volkswagen has issued specific “Park Outside” instructions while they prepare the remedy.

The Issue With The VW ID.4 Battery

The problem lies within the High Voltage (HV) battery. According to the defect report, a production deviation at a battery supplier resulted in misaligned electrodes within certain battery cell modules. Specifically, the cathode inside the battery cell may have shifted. When these electrodes are not aligned correctly, it increases the risk of a short circuit inside the cell, which can lead to a fire.

Warning Signs

While a battery fire can happen suddenly, there are performance indicators you should watch for. If your vehicle has this defect, you may experience:

A noticeable loss of driving range.
A reduction in vehicle performance.

If you notice these issues, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer immediately for diagnosis.

Critical Safety Instructions for Owners

Until the recall repair is performed, Volkswagen is advising owners of affected vehicles to follow these strict precautions to minimize risk:

Park Outside: Park the vehicle away from structures and other cars immediately after charging.
No Overnight Indoor Charging: Do not leave the vehicle charging indoors overnight.
Limit Charge to 80%: Adjust your charging settings to stop at an 80% state of charge.
Avoid Fast Charging: Do not use Level 3 DC Fast Chargers.

Timeline: How the Defect Was Discovered

The investigation into this issue spanned nearly two years. Here is a summary of the events that led to this recall:

January 2024 (Illinois): Volkswagen was notified of the first thermal event involving a vehicle connected to a Level 3 DC charger. The battery was analyzed, confirming the fire started in the HV battery.
July & October 2024 (California): Two separate fires occurred in parked vehicles that were not charging. Inspections confirmed the origin was the HV battery, but initial analysis (including CT scans by the supplier in June 2025) failed to identify the root cause.
December 2024 (Utah): A fourth thermal event occurred while a vehicle was being driven.
Summer 2025: With CT scans appearing inconclusive, VW and the supplier investigated other potential causes outside the battery but found nothing. The focus returned to the battery.
August 2025 (Colorado): A fifth event occurred while a vehicle was using a DC fast charger.
September 2025 (The Breakthrough): The supplier performed a physical “tear-down” analysis of damaged cell modules. They discovered the “shifted” electrode condition. By comparing this physical evidence back to the previous CT images, they realized the defect was visible in the scans but had been previously unrecognized.
November 2025: The supplier identified the specific batch of bad modules, allowing VW to isolate which vehicles were affected. On November 26, VW officially decided to issue a recall.

The Remedy

Dealers will resolve this issue by replacing the high-voltage battery cell modules as necessary. Owner Notification: Notification letters are expected to be mailed by January 30, 2026.

Volkswagen Recall Number: 93EV
NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V-836

Certain model-year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe vehicles were manufactured with high-voltage (HV) battery packs that may contain defective cells. The defect can lead the battery to internally fail and potentially cause a vehicle fire – whether the vehicle is parked or driving.

What’s the problem?

On July 3, 2025, the manufacturer’s technical safety organization opened an investigation after reports of fires originating in the HV battery packs of these plug-in hybrid vehicles – including vehicles that had already undergone the earlier remedy under Recall ID 95B (NHTSA ID 24V-720).
The battery supplier Samsung SDI obtained a pack from a vehicle that had experienced a fire with cells manufactured outside the original recall’s scope. They found the fire was caused by the same defect identified under 95B and are working to identify additional causal factors.
As of October 13, 2025:
- 9 fires reported in vehicles which had already had the 95B software remedy applied.
- 10 fires reported in vehicles whose cells were outside the original 95B scope.
- 19 customer-assistance records, 0 warranty claims, and 19 field reports tied to this issue (dates from Jan 27 to Sept 2, 2025).
- 1 injury and no confirmed accidents tied to this issue.
On October 24, 2025, the manufacturer determined there is a defect affecting motor vehicle safety in all affected vehicles.
The manufacturer states that in rare cases, a battery pack may contain cells with separator damage which, combined with other complex interactions within the cell, may lead to a fire.
A key interim safety measure: risk is lower when the battery charge level is low or depleted, and higher when the battery is fully or highly charged.
Owner advice: refrain from recharging the vehicle, and park away from structures or other vehicles until the final remedy is available.
The recall campaign number is 68C (NHTSA campaign number 25V-741) and even vehicles previously recalled under 24V-720 or 23V-787 will need the new remedy.

Affected vehicles

Model year 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
Model year 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

What should owners do now?

Minimize risk until fixed:
- Avoid charging the plug-in-hybrid battery.
- Park the vehicle outdoors or away from other vehicles/structures (such as garages) when practicable.
- Try to keep the battery’s state of charge as low as is reasonable for your use.
Wait for the remedy: The final repair or battery replacement is under development. Interim notification letters are expected to be mailed starting December 2, 2025, with additional letters once the remedy is ready.
Follow dealer instructions: Once the remedy is available, schedule service promptly. The remedy may include software updates to the battery management/control module plus potentially a full HV battery pack replacement.
Stay informed: Keep track of recall updates and announcements.

Why this matters: safety & resale considerations

A fire originating from a plug-in hybrid’s high-voltage battery is a rare but serious risk: it can pose danger to occupants, first-responders, and bystanders, and damage property.
Even if your vehicle hasn’t shown signs of the defect, being part of the recall means you should treat it as a potential risk and act accordingly.
From a resale/ownership value perspective, vehicles under open safety recalls can be harder to sell or may need disclosure depending on local laws. Completing the remedy promptly is beneficial for overall vehicle value and peace of mind.

Bottom line

If you own a 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe or a 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, this is a recall you cannot ignore. While the risk may only affect a minority of vehicles, the potential consequence is serious. Until the permanent fix is installed, follow the safety advice strictly: no recharging, park away from buildings, and monitor for dealer communications. Once the remedy becomes available, book the service as soon as possible. Your safety – and the safety of others around your vehicle – depends on it.

BMW of North America has announced another significant recall related to the electrical system, this time involving more than 145,000 vehicles. This latest action, filed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-644, highlights the risk of a starter motor overheating due to an electrical overload after repeated starting attempts. The issue poses a serious fire hazard and requires immediate attention from affected owners.

What’s the Problem?

BMW reports that in certain vehicles, the starter relay can overload the starter motor, leading to overheating. Overheating of electrical components within the starter can increase the risk of a fire, whether the vehicle is in operation or parked.

The recall affects the following BMW models:

2020 BMW 340i
2019-2020 BMW X5
2020 BMW X6
2020–2025 BMW 840i
2020–2022 BMW 740Li
2019–2020 BMW X7

BMW Engine Starter Replacement

BMW dealers will correct the problem by replacing the engine starter.. Importantly, this recall also applies to vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 24V-576—owners of those vehicles will need to have their cars repaired again.

Owner Notification Letters: Scheduled to begin mailing on November 17, 2025.
If your vehicle is affected, schedule an appointment with your BMW dealer for the repair.
Be aware of potential warning signs such as difficulty starting, electrical smells, or unusual sounds from the engine bay.
As a precaution, consider parking your vehicle outdoors until repairs are complete.

BMW’s repeated starter relay recalls underscore the importance of taking electrical issues seriously. Even if you’ve had a previous recall repair completed, your vehicle may still be affected and require another fix. Safety should come first—make sure your BMW is repaired promptly once recall notifications are issued.

BMW and Toyota have announced a voluntary safety recall affecting certain 2019–2022 BMW models and 2020–2022 Toyota Supra vehicles due to a potential fire risk involving the engine starter relay. The issue arises when water makes contact with the relay, which over time may corrode and compromise the electrical connection. While corrosion can make it difficult or impossible to start the engine, in more severe cases it can cause the relay to short-circuit and overheat. This overheating poses a significant fire hazard, as a thermal event could occur not only while the vehicle is being driven but also when it is parked with the ignition off.

BMW launched an engineering investigation in July 2024 after reports of thermal events in certain vehicles. Over the following year, engineers analyzed field cases, conducted parts tear-downs, and tested water ingress scenarios in an attempt to replicate the failure. Although no single cause was definitively confirmed, BMW identified production periods that may be at risk. On September 16, 2025, the automaker initiated a recall. Toyota conducted its own review of records and confirmed no U.S. reports of Supra incidents to date, but vehicles remain included in the recall as a precaution.

Owners of affected vehicles are strongly advised to park outdoors and away from buildings until repairs are complete. Dealers will address the issue by replacing the engine starter at no cost to customers. Interim recall notices will begin mailing on November 14, 2025, with a follow-up notice sent once replacement parts are available. The recall is listed under NHTSA Campaign Number 25V-636.

Affected Vehicles Include:

2019–2021 BMW 330i
2021–2022 BMW 430i
2021–2022 BMW 430i Convertible
2020–2022 BMW 530i
2020–2022 BMW X3
2020–2022 BMW X4
2019–2022 BMW Z4

If you own one of these vehicles, stay alert for recall notifications, and in the meantime, take the precaution of parking your vehicle outside until the remedy is performed.

General Motors (GM) has announced a serious safety defect that may affect certain 2023–2026 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The issue is linked to models equipped with a left-side radiator and fan combination, which are found in Corvette Z06 and ZR1 models.

According to GM, excess fuel spilled into the fuel-filler pocket during refueling could leak onto hot radiator surfaces and potentially ignite. This dangerous condition raises the risk of a vehicle fire, even while the car is turned off.

What Is the Chevrolet Corvette Fire Risk Defect?

In the affected vehicles, the fuel-filler pipe and recessed pocket sit directly above the left-side radiator and cooling fan. If a refueling spill occurs—especially if a gas pump fails to shut off properly—the spilled fuel may leak onto the radiator.

When the fan is running, it can draw spilled fuel through the radiator, vaporize it into the engine compartment, and expose it to ignition sources. If ignited, this can result in a sudden vehicle fire.

GM’s investigation confirmed that at least four Corvette fire incidents were connected to this defect, two of which involved malfunctioning gas station pumps that failed to shut off properly.

Timeline of GM’s Safety Investigation

June 10, 2025 – GM received a report through its “Speak Up for Safety” system after a social media post claimed three Corvettes caught fire during fueling within 30 days.
June 12, 2025 – A GM-owned Corvette test vehicle caught fire while refueling.
June 17, 2025 – GM officially opened a product investigation.
June 20, 2025 – Engineers identified distinct burn patterns on the left-side radiator of the test vehicle.
July–August 2025 – Controlled fuel-spill simulations showed that fuel leaks in vehicles with a left-side radiator could ignite under specific conditions, replicating the burn damage seen in real-world fires. Vehicles without this radiator design did not ignite.
August 14, 2025 – GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to launch a safety recall.

Models Affected by the Safety Recall

While the issue involves Corvettes from model years 2023 through 2026, GM confirmed the left-side radiator/fan combination is only used in:

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2023–2026)
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2023–2026)

All confirmed fire incidents involved Corvettes equipped with this radiator design.

Risks to Drivers and Passengers

If fuel leaks during refueling and reaches an ignition source, the risks include:

Vehicle fire while stationary
Potential injuries or fatalities (two incidents reported minor injuries)
Damage to property and fueling stations

GM’s Recommended Precautions for Corvette Owners

Until repairs are completed, Corvette owners should take the following precautions:

Always ensure the fuel nozzle is fully inserted into the filler pipe.
Do not overfill the gas tank; stop after the pump clicks off once.
Always turn off the engine before refueling.
Be cautious at gas stations with malfunctioning or leaking pumps.

The Official Fix

GM has announced that dealers will:

Install a protective shield to divert spilled fuel away from hot components.
Begin mailing owner notification letters on October 6, 2025.
Send a second letter once permanent parts and remedies are available.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned this defect campaign number 25V-536.

Can Lemon Law Help Corvette Owners?

If your 2023–2026 Chevrolet Corvette has experienced repeated problems, you may have rights under the California Lemon Law and other state lemon laws.

The law may entitle you to:

A repurchase (buyback) of your Corvette
A replacement vehicle
Or cash compensation if your car qualifies as a lemon

Since the defect involves a serious safety risk, owners should act quickly. Consulting with an experienced Lemon Law attorney can help determine if your Corvette qualifies for relief. If repeated safety issues, downtime, or repair delays affect your Corvette, you may qualify for protection under Lemon Law.